§ Alan KeenTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what measures have been undertaken to minimise the effects of aircraft noise on people in the South East region of England. [107011]
§ Mr. JamiesonAll but the smallest civil jet aircraft flying into the UK have (subject to certain exemption provisions) since 1 April 2002 been required to be noise-certificated according to ICAO Chapter 3 standards.
Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted airports are designated under s.80 for the purposes of s.78 of the Civil Aviation Act 1982. By notices under this section, a range of operational noise controls has been applied. These include night restrictions, departure noise limits, noise preferential departure routes, and noise-minimizing approach procedures.
Other airports have set their own noise controls, in some cases pursuant to planning obligations, and often similar in kind to the designated airports' controls.
§ Alan KeenTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what change there has been in the last year in the number of people affected by aircraft noise in the South East region of England. [107012]
§ Mr. JamiesonMy Department is responsible for the publication of annual daytime noise contours for Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted airports. The contours for 2002, showing year-on-year changes, will be published shortly, and details will be made available on our website. Copies of the contour booklets will be placed in the Libraries of the House.
Information about aircraft noise exposure elsewhere in the South East is a matter for the aerodromes concerned.